Bocas del Toro is considered to be safe for travelers and has very low incidences of violent crime. Check The U.S. Department of State website for current travel restrictions.

Check out our post on COVID-19 in Bocas del Toro for updated information on the current situation, or follow along with the Bocas Breeze on Instagram (@thebocasbreeze).

Crime in Bocas del Toro

The most common crime in Bocas del Toro is theft. Theft mostly occurs when the victim is away from their property. For instance, getting your bag stolen off of the beach while you are swimming, or having your apartment broken into while you are out. Although some crimes are unavoidable, there are things everyone can do to increase their safety while visiting Bocas del Toro.

How to Stay Safe in Bocas del Toro: 9 Crime Safety Guidelines to Follow

1. Never Leave Your Bag Unattended on the Beach
2. Use the Buddy System
3. Leave Your Valuables at Home
4. Avoid Uncrowded or Remote Areas, Especially at Night
5. Don’t Drink Too Much
6. Don’t Use Drugs
7. Avoid Street Hustlers
8. Go With a Guide
9. Lock Doors and Windows

1. Never leave your bag unattended on the beach!

This is the #1 crime against tourists in Bocas del Toro. Under no circumstances should you leave a bag of your valuables unattended on the beach. Just don’t do it! Leave that stuff at home. Just bring a few dollars that you will need to buy a beer or some lunch and keep it in your pocket. Already this year (2022) there have been several cases of this and the victims have lost brand new Iphones, drones, cameras, passports, wedding certificates, cash, ect. This is not a joke, people really do bring all of their valuable stuff with them to the beach, go surfing or snorkeling for an hour while leaving their stuff completely unattended! If you do this, consider it donated to the local communities. Worse is that it makes Bocas look like a bad place – but please consider this: The average hourly wage in Bocas del Toro is $3 an hour. How much is a new iPhone these days? The short answer is that one iPhone is worth more than 2 months of work.

2. Use the Buddy System

Using the Buddy System is one of the best things you can do to increase your safety in Bocas del Toro. Always travel with a buddy if you plan on going on a hike, day trip, or going out at night. Many of the activities you can do will bring you to remote places and it is essential that you do not go alone in case of emergency.

3. Leave Your Valuables at Home

Again…

Only bring what is essential to your planned activity and however much money you think you will need. For instance, you only really need a towel, water bottle, sunscreen, and a book to enjoy a day at the beach; so leave your passport, camera, and wallet at home.

Bring your cell phone with you while you explore the islands, but be aware of where you put it. Try to always keep it in your pocket or backpack and not left out on a chair, table, or beach towel.

And never, ever, leave your bag unattended on the beach!

This travel couple offers some honest insight on how you can have a relaxing and safe stay in Isla Bastimentos.

5. Avoid Uncrowded or Remote Areas at Night

Save your explorations for the daytime and avoid secluded areas of the islands and beaches at night. Don’t Drink Too Much

Becoming overly intoxicated with drugs and alcohol makes you a target for all sorts of problems. Bocas del Toro is a party hub and boasts some of the wildest parties in Central America but the truth is that you can avoid a lot of trouble by not drinking too much.

6. Don’t Use Drugs

Not only do you risk getting in trouble with the police, but oftentimes the people you are buying drugs from are the ones that will rob you later. Avoiding contact with these people in the first place will help you avoid the problems they bring as well!

7. Avoid Street Hustlers

Bocas Town on Isla Colon has a few street hustlers trying to sell tours, taxi rides, and nefarious substances. The best thing to do is to give them a “No, Gracias,” and keep walking. Go to one of the certified water-taxi stations if you need a water taxi and only book tours directly through the tour company or through your accommodation.

8. Go with a Guide

Hire a guide to accompany you if you plan on going on a long hike or exploratory mission. There are tons of amazing hiking trails and remote beaches to explore throughout the islands and all of them are dangerous if you are not prepared. Going with a guide will increase your safety and show you experiences that you would not have otherwise!

9. Lock Doors and Windows at Night

It is recommended that you lock your accommodation’s doors and windows at night. Some thieves are not deterred by the presence of a person sleeping in a nearby room; especially if that person went to bed after a long night out!

Is Bocas del Toro safe for your health?

Bocas del Toro is also a safe place to visit in terms of health safety. The CDC recommends having Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines. It is always a good idea to check resources like these before traveling to a new country. The health problems that most people encounter in Bocas are things like dehydration, sunburn, small infections and big hangovers. The good news is that, like crime in Bocas del Toro, health problems can largely be avoided if you follow some simple health safety guidelines.

How to Stay Healthy in Bocas del Toro: 6 Health Safety Guidelines to Follow

1. Stay Hydrated
2. Cover up from the Sun
3. Don’t Drink too Much Alcohol
4. Disinfect your Cuts
5. Don’t Scratch your Mosquito Bites
6. Swim with Caution

1. Stay Hydrated

Bocas del Toro is hot and humid year-round and staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects of life here. Visitors need to be drinking plenty of water throughout the entire day in order to replace what you will inevitably lose in sweat. A large reusable water bottle is an essential packing item and you need to be using it constantly throughout your stay. Check yourself for signs of dehydration like dark urine, headache, thirst, and weakness or light-headedness periodically. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms then you need to take time to rest and rehydrate!

2. Cover up from the Sun

Everyone wants to get a tan while they are on vacation and most people end up with a lot more than that in Bocas.  The Panamanian sun is very strong and will burn even the darkest of skin tones, hence why many local people will be covered head to toe when working outside or on the water. Use a combination of High SPF Sunscreen and protective clothing when you are out during the day and try to stick to the shade when possible. You will get a tan by the end of your stay in Bocas, and better that you don’t miss a day or two with extreme sunburn in the process!

3. Don’t Drink too much Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol in Bocas del Toro might lead to some of the best times of your life, but it could also lead to some of the worst. Drinking alcohol will dehydrate you and it will also weaken your immune system and make your body more susceptible to infection and illness. Save yourself from a hangover day that would have been better spent surfing or exploring!

Although the nightlife is a highlight of Bocas del Toro, there’s a ton of other amazing things to do in Bocas as well!

4. Disinfect your Cuts

Disinfecting your cuts and scrapes is the best thing you can do to protect yourself from getting infections. Even the smallest of cuts can turn into an infection in our hot and humid climate and Staph Bacteria is very common. Washing your entire body with soap will also help get rid of whatever bacteria you may have picked up that day.

5. Don’t Scratch your Mosquito Bites

The old saying, “if it feels good, do it,” does not apply to scratching your mosquito bites. You have bacteria living under your fingernails and when you scratch your mosquito bites to the point of opening them up you will be directly infecting yourself with that bacteria (like Staph).

6. Swim with Caution

Bocas del Toro is known to have world class surf that can be very powerful. The waves at Bluff Beach are so powerful that even with a small amount of swell it can be deadly to swim there. Strong waves also create strong rip currents that cause many drowning deaths each year. Pay attention to the warning signs on the beaches and know that the only beach with a Life-Guard on duty is Red Frog Beach; anywhere else and you are completely on your own. 

There has never been a recorded shark attack in Bocas but people do die by getting hit by boats. Do not go swimming in or through boat lanes and you should always use a brightly colored safety float while snorkeling (like a life jacket).

COVID-19 in Bocas del Toro

For up-to-date information regarding the new coronavirus COVID-19 in Bocas del Toro please visit our blog article: Covid-19 in Bocas del Toro, or follow along with the Bocas Breeze on Instagram (@thebocasbreeze).

How is the Health Care in Bocas del Toro?

Bocas has a newly constructed hospital as well as a quick-service health clinic, dental clinic, and several pharmacies. If you require basic to moderate medical attention then your needs can probably be met locally. If you end up needing emergency or more serious medical attention then you will need to go to either David (Panama’s second-largest city) or Panama City. There is a MEDEVAC Helicopter that can bring you there in an emergency.

Is There Malaria in Bocas del Toro?

The main islands outside of the Ngäbe-Buglé controlled Comarca are considered to be Malaria free. Some notable health organizations do list Bocas del Toro as having a risk for Malaria but this pertains to the mainland jungles and not the small islands of the archipelago. It is widely accepted among Bocas locals and expats that you do not need to worry about Malaria while visiting Bocas del Toro. This means you should skip the expensive and potentially harmful medications that some doctors and websites recommend.

Is There Zika in Bocas del Toro?

The IAMAT website currently states that there is no evidence of an ongoing Zika Virus Outbreak in Panama but that Panama does have a history of the virus. We did hear about one case of Zika in Bocas del Toro but that was several years ago.

Is There Dengue in Bocas del Toro?

Panama does have the occasional Dengue outbreak with the most affected provinces being Colon, Herrera, Panama Norte, Cocle, Panama Metro, and San Miguelito, according to IAMAT. We do hear about a few cases of Dengue in Bocas del Toro every year but this should not deter you from visiting. In fact, almost any subtropical or tropical environment carries a risk of the virus. It is always a good idea to check the appropriate resources for updated information about any current outbreaks or dangers in the places you plan to visit.

How to Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites:

1. Use Bug Repellent containing 20%-30% DEET
2. Use Coconut Oil as a Natural Alternative to Chemical Based Bug Spray
3. Wear Neutral Colored, Long Sleeve, and Breathable Clothing
4. Sleep with a Mosquito Net if Necessary
5. Apply Bug Repellent at least 20 Minutes after Applying Sunscreen

Emergency Contact Numbers in Bocas del Toro

Use these numbers if you are in need of emergency assistance while in Bocas del Toro:

Police: 757-9217

DIJ: 757-9777

Fire Department: 103

Emergencies: 911

Conclusion: Is Bocas del Toro Safe? 

We believe that Bocas del Toro is a very safe place to live or to visit. The biggest crime risk in Bocas del Toro is theft which can be said about almost all developing areas of the world. The biggest health risks in Bocas are dehydration, sunburn, and minor infections; or can be related to the inherent dangers of the ocean or partying too hard. 

As always when traveling abroad, it is important to act responsibly and to respect everyone around you. Follow our list of suggestions and we are sure that you will have a fun and safe visit to Bocas!

Feel free to contact us or leave a comment if you any questions about Safety in Bocas del Toro!

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